“I told Merc the other day that I could sense you were coming this way, but that I did not know why or when exactly,” Derwinconfessed.
“So, what brings you out this way, River?” Merc asked and took a seat next toDerwin.
“The Carpe Noctem kidnapped a friend of the Queen’s. They want the materials and molds to make Royal Darick coins,” Iexplained.
“And you think they will do a friendly exchange for the molds?” Merc asked as he looked atme.
“No. I am going to go there and demand they return him to me,” Octavia boldlysaid.
“Brave woman,” Merc added. “Is this your army?” Merc pointed to the youngmen.
“I turned them,” Iinterjected.
“How long ago?” Derwinpried.
“A few nights ago,” Ireplied.
“Getting in to see Lochlaan will not be difficult. And chances are, they are not even guarding your friend. You know how they are, River. They are sloppy at best,” Mercsaid.
He stroked Phoebe’s hair, and I smiled at her. She appeared to be very fragile in stature, but something told me that this woman had a story. You do not have a scar like that without astory.
“They brought bows. Perhaps when the rain lets up, we can take them outside and teach them how to use them,” Derwin toldMerc.
Merc looked at the youngmen.
“Have any of you ever used a bow andarrow?”
“I have,” Liamanswered.
“Alright, well, we have our work cut out for us to do a quick lesson in using a bow,” Mercagreed.
“As soon as the weather lets up,” Derwinreiterated.
“Yes, as soon as the weather permits,” Mercagreed.
Merc and Derwin spent the majority of the time talking and telling everyone what I was like as a boy. Octavia seemed to be genuinely enjoying herself for the first time since Klyn has been missing. I had been keeping my eye on the weather outside the window, and once the rain had stopped for a few moments, I announced that we should try to get some practicein.
Liam, Ethan, Michan, and Sean grabbed their bows and quickly filed outside with Derwin leading the way. Phoebe and Merc followed, and when Octavia stood, I haltedher.
“My Queen, it is still very dampoutside—”
“And yourpoint?”
“I think you should stay inside by the fire. I do not want you to catch cold,” I quicklyanswered.
“My gentlemen are outside. You will soon beoutside—”
“Do not do that,” I quickly barked at her. When she looked at me as though she had no clue as to what I was referring to, Ielaborated.
“You separated me from them. You said that your gentlemen were going to be outside, and then you added that I would be too. I am still one of your gentlemen, am Inot?”
“You are, River. Now, out of my way. I need to learn how to use this in case I needto.”
Unfortunately, she had a point. I stepped aside and followed her outside. She walked over to where Phoebe was showing Ethan and Michan how to use the bow. Phoebe quickly walked over to Octavia and began showing her how to grip the bow. Derwin was working with Sean and Liam, though Liam at least already had experience with abow.
I stood beside Merc silently as we watched the others. I focused on Octavia and how intense she was listening to Phoebe. I was impressed by Phoebe’s skills. It was as though Merc had been reading my thoughts, or perhaps my staring gave myselfaway.
“She was one of Lochlaan’s women,” Merc began as he watchedPhoebe.
